Nothing to prove: Brendan Rodgers has talked down any potential grudge held by Carroll (Image: Andrew Powell)

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Brendan Rodgers has insisted Andy Carroll has nothing to prove after being dumped by Liverpool.

This weekend's game with West Ham is being billed as the chance for the big striker to show Reds boss Brendan Rodgers was wrong to offload him, by scuppering his old club's title challenge.

But the Anfield manager explained yesterday that his decision to sell the England star just weeks after arriving at the Merseyside club in the summer of 2012 was not in any way a comment on the striker's ability.

"I'm not sure Andy will feel he has a point to prove - he knows he's a top player, West Ham paid a lot of money for him and in the style they play he's one of the best there is," Rodgers explained.

"Playing week in week out was probably the biggest factor, and it was a chance for him to do that. I don't think he has to prove anything to anyone.

"Andy wasn't let go by me because he wasn't good enough let's get that clear. His style of play he's one of the best in Europe. Attacking the ball, heading, he's outstanding.

"But we came in with a certain approach and philosophy, and it's not to say he couldn't fit into that style, but he needed to play. There were financial considerations too, and it was really a question of him getting the chance to play regularly, which he's done brilliantly at West Ham."

Philosophy: Carroll didn't fit in with Rodgers' style of passing play (Image: John Powell)

The same applies to Stewart Downing, who complained after being sold to the Hammers he wasn't given a fair chance by Rodgers.

The Reds boss though, insisted he didn't want to sell the England winger.

"It was the same with Stewart Downing. I didn't want him to leave but we were made a great offer. I was very disappointed to let him go."